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Tribes oppose coal terminal project over fishing

Associated Press
10:27 a.m. PDT July 8, 2014

A proposed coal export project at the Port of Morrow in Boardman would store coal in covered buildings, then tranfer it to barges using a conveyor system.(Photo: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality)

PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) — The developer of a proposed Columbia River coal export terminal is facing resistance from local tribes who argue the terminal's dock would interfere with their fishing rights.

Australia-based Ambre Energy wants to ship 8.8 million tons of coal per year down the Columbia River and overseas to Asia.

The East Oregonian reports the Oregon Department of State Lands has until Aug. 18 to decide whether to issue a key permit allowing Ambre Energy to begin construction.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation's objection is one of several opposing the project, which business leaders say will bring needed jobs when a nearby coal plant is shuttered in 2020.

Project advocates say they would contribute up to $800,000 per year to the tribes as part of the company's proposal.